Vent Code Update

[Johnpv]

When I registered my 2013, they only wanted the first 2 numbers of the serial number. 

I know one has already been posted but since I said I would post mine, here you go.

[MartyG]

So it's interesting that some ATs have the serial number and some don't, but here's a clue: CN is the country code for China, (the first two letters of each serial number I've seen) and the vents now say "Designed and Engineered in Palatine, ILL." - usually a tip off that they are built somewhere else in the world. Question is, what are they building here in the States these days, and what is being shipped in?

I'll see if I can check out a boxed unit at Ace tomorrow to see if it has the country of origin on it somewhere, but one of you may have a box they can look at in the mean time. Here's an AT with no serial number to compare with the one above that does.

[Johnpv]

That's kind of disappointing to know they're not still making them in the US. 

[Thin Blue Smoke]

From what I understand, some parts are produced in other countries but not necessarily the whole kettle. Hence the change to designed and engineered vs made. So, could it be that the legs, wheels, one touch system, etc were made in china with the kettle being made in the us. Isn't that what the recent lawsuit against weber was about?

I don't know the answer but from my limited research, I understood it to still be the actual kettles are made in the us with "certain" parts made in other countries. Also, I believe Weber was making the argument that assembly was still taking place in the us, including the outsourced and domestic parts.

If someone has more info, I would love to hear more about it....

[MacEggs]

When I bought my OTS new in 2011(AA), the box said:

"Made in the USA, incorporating globally sourced component parts."

[zavod44]

You can go right on their website and watch the charcoal kettles being produced in the factory in Huntley Illinois... and the gasser's in Des Plaines Illinois...

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[zavod44]

I am still shocked they are going through the cost to serial these vents!

Is it a totally unique number? 

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[G$]

Is it a totally unique number? 

Hell, that was wat I assumed.  Otherwise "serial" number is a stupid thing for us to call them (ya know, if theyr are not serial).  Let's figure it out.

[MartyG]

Yes, every one I've seen is different. We'll have to look at a bunch to crack the code. I'm guessing country of origin, model, date of manufacture, production lot, that kind of stuff. Anything to zero in on when and where it came from.

[dwnthehatch]

Here's an AU from my newest brick red Kraft OTG.

[Duke]

I have a 'G' if Marty is still looking for one.

[1buckie]

Congrats Bman! You got yourself a Poster. Only D to go.

OK........................................

                             This takes care of that ^^^^^^^




It's the Brown Mastertouch from earlier this year.......



I know Golly's got one....maybe Hogsy or Kendoll, or other OZ-Folk......they pop up more often in OZ ( Mastertouch, that is ) & Alton Brown has one for TV.......don't know that any of the others are "D" code tho................

On this day, I got it from a guy for $25, he asked $30 & there was another for free several miles away.......
Some here thought it was the same one, that he had picked up a quick flip......not so......

This one had dirt / dust & water marks around the wheels when we went to move it out of his grill area & the other one I found had gone just after I had picked up this one......almost had two in one 40 minute drive.......